Course Description

AICE Courses

The following AICE courses are currently offered at Heritage High School
*Course syllabus, information, and sample exams are available on the Heritage website.

Mathematics & Science Courses

AICE Environmental Management - 8291
Environmental management is concerned with both local and global issues and with the various ways in which societies, governments and economic activity (industry, agriculture and urban areas) use, misuse and attempt to manage both local and global environments. Whilst environmental management can often be presented in a negative light by emphasizing pollution, exploitation and misuse, it is important to give recognition to the positive ways in which we manage our environment. Thus issues such as global warming, industrial pollution and the impact of rapid population growth need to be balanced with others like the creation of National Parks, sensitive urban design and sustainable management/development.  The syllabus reflects a contemporary concern with sustainable management. Through their study of environmental management, it is hoped that candidates will learn to appreciate that the exploitation of the environment.

AICE Marine Science - 9693
Marine Science provides a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the marine environment. The content of the AS part of the course concentrates on the scientific study of the sea and its ecosystems, while the A Level part of the course concentrates on human activities that depend on the sea and have an impact on it. AS and A Level Marine Science can form part of an ideal subject combination for students who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at a university or to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism, or aquaculture.

AICE Biology - 9700
AICE Biology will offer you the opportunity to deepen and refresh the knowledge you gained in Biology I. The emphasis is to develop a profound understanding of many of the fundamental concepts in the field of Biology rather than an overview of all possible topics. There will be heavy emphasis on laboratory practical work in which you will gain not only procedural knowledge, but also become comfortable with designing and carrying out your own inquiries. This course provides an in-depth study of key biological concepts as outlined by the Cambridge Program Standards.  This course emphasizes the application of knowledge, scientific methods and procedures, and independent research. At the end of this rigorous and demanding course students will sit for the 3-part AICE exam.

AICE Psychology - 9990
AICE Psychology encourages students to take an interest in and appreciate psychology through allowing them to explore the methods by which psychology is conducted. Students will review several important research studies and will explore the ways in which psychology is applied. Emphasis is placed on the development of psychological skills and learning. AICE Psychology provides students a foundation for further study/careers in psychology or other social sciences. No prior knowledge in the field is necessary.

AICE Computer Science - 9608
In a world in which technological advances are ever-increasing, knowledge of computer technology and programming is becoming ever-more important. AICE Computer Science provides students the opportunity to gain a general understanding of computer technology, to sharpen the computer skills and information and communications technology (ICT) that are becoming more and more of a necessity in today’s professional world, and to develop the skills necessary for further study in computer technology. This course is designed to allow students with any level of knowledge of computer science to benefit from the curriculum.

Language Courses

AICE English Language - 9093
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the semantic, structural, and rhetorical resources of the English language as they relate to the principles of effective writing. The course also provides a variety of writing opportunities calling for the use of different styles and tones.

AICE Spanish Language - 8685
The Cambridge International AS Level Spanish syllabus enables learners to achieve greater fluency, accuracy, and confidence in the language as it is spoken and written, and improve their communication skills. They will learn how to improve their use of Spanish in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, extract information, initiate conversations, and respond to questions both orally and in writing.

Arts & Humanities Courses

AICE Literature in English - 9695
AICE English Literature prepares students for lifelong literacy appreciation and helps them develop important literacy skills in writing, argument development, research and information management, and text analysis. Course themes include imaginative literature, form, structure, genre, conventions, context, audience and readership, language and style, and interpretation.

AICE Psychology - 9990
AICE Psychology encourages students to take an interest in and appreciate psychology through allowing them to explore the methods by which psychology is conducted. Students will review several important research studies and will explore the ways in which psychology is applied. Emphasis is placed on the development of psychological skills and learning. AICE Psychology provides students a foundation for further study/careers in psychology or other social sciences. No prior knowledge in the field is necessary.

AICE Sociology - 9699
In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology offers learners the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past. The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.

AICE European History - 9389
AICE History emphasizes both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Students learn about cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies.  This course focuses on AICE History’s European Option: Liberalism and Nationalism in Italy and Germany, 1848–1871.

AICE U.S. History - 9389
AICE History emphasizes both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Students learn about cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies.  This course focuses on AICE History’s American Option: The Civil War and Reconstruction 1840-1887.

AICE Music - 9483
The AICE music class is an advanced music class that is an in-depth study of music history and/or music performance.  Students who are interested in the class should either have completed AICE General Paper and/or have a significant background in music.  Please note there is NO requirement that students in the class have a musical background.  The information provided by AICE makes it very clear that non-music people are encouraged to take the class.

The topics covered in the class cover a wide range of musical ideas including (but not limited to) form, harmonic structure, historical context, and emotion in music.  Two fundamental ideas in music are assigned by Cambridge each year for in depth study.  Additional concepts are assigned by the teacher to ensure a thorough understanding of music.

There are two Performance/Composition tasks students produce in the class.
Additionally, each student takes the required AICE exam which focuses specifically on the assigned topics from Cambridge. If you enjoy listening, talking about, and discovering music AICE is a wonderful class.  Be prepared to contribute to daily class discussions and to see music in a totally new way!

AICE Business - 9609
AICE Business offers students valuable foundation knowledge needed to pursue a degree or career in business or management. Students will develop skills needed for analysis of how businesses work to meet ever-changing demand, successful leadership, customer service, business finance and accounting, and more. Students will develop the understanding necessary for the strategy, planning, and decision-making that is essential for business success. Important themes include change, management, customer focus, innovation, creating value, and strategy. Students do not need any prior business studies to begin this course.

Interdisciplinary & Skills-Based Courses

AICE Global Perspectives - 9239
Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives prepares learners for positive engagement with our rapidly changing world. Learners broaden their outlook through the critical analysis of – and reflection on – issues of global significance. The Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives syllabus is based on skills rather than on specific content. Learners develop research, thinking, reasoning and communication skills by following an approach to analyzing and evaluating arguments and perspectives called the Critical Path. The skills gained through study of Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives enable students to meet the demands of twenty first century learning and make a successful transition to study in higher education.

AICE  English General Paper - 8021
The Cambridge International AS Level General Paper encourages learners to develop a maturity of critical thought and argument, and a mastery of expression in the English language. These are all skills of great use for university level study. The syllabus draws on topics from across the school curriculum, and learners are able to draw upon knowledge and understanding gained from study of other subjects.

AICE Thinking Skills - 9694
Thinking Skills develops a specific set of intellectual skills, independent of subject content, reflecting the need voiced by universities and employers for more mature and sophisticated ways of thinking. The Thinking Skills syllabus also enables students to approach their other subjects with an improved ability to understand, analyse and resolve problems. As a result, students will find the course of great benefit when preparing for higher education and for a wide range of careers, including law, scientific research, social science, journalism, medicine, business, accounting and engineering. The Thinking Skills syllabus encourages free and open debate, critical and investigative thinking, and informed and disciplined reasoning.